The Herd Hierarchy through NFL Week 8

Every Tuesday, with all the NFL games in the book, it’s time for The Herd Hierarchy, Colin’s power rankings of his Top 10 NFL teams.

This week, the Vikings are falling fast, and if they can’t resolve their offensive line issues, they may be on their way out. The Falcons are moving up after outlasting the Packers with another impressive offensive performance, and Derek Carr is willing the Raiders to continued Hierarchy love.

Here’s the Herd Hierarchy through 8 weeks of the 2016 NFL season.

10. Minnesota Vikings – How fast the mighty have fallen. Just two weeks ago, the Vikings were undefeated, and atop the hierarchy. They got smoked by the Bears last night, and are missing their 2 starting tackles, which has been exposed in their losses. The Viking defense is still among the best in the NFL. They’re 1st in turnover differential (+11), scoring defense (14.9 ppg), and are tied for 1st in takeaways (16). Colin still loves the overall roster talent, but they need to solve their o-line issues.

Shot 10 – #Eagles nearly ‘trap’ Bradford here. Fool him into thinking he has man; actually is Cover 2. Ball thrown out further is a Pick 6 pic.twitter.com/qM2EcdvX4u

9. Philadelphia Eagles – The Eagles have been a pleasant surprise, despite dropping a tough one against Dallas on Sunday night. They lead the NFL in time of possession, and their +62 scoring differential is 2nd best in the league. The Philly defense has played well. They rank in the Top 5 in points allowed per game (16.7). They’ve experienced some recent growing pains, but all the arrows are trending up in the long term for the Eagles.

8. Washington Redskins – Washington has been making it rain for Colin all year in the Blazin’ 5, so he’s partial. The Kirk Cousins led Washington offense leads the NFL with 186 first downs, and only has 8 three-and-outs on the year. They also rank 2nd in yards per play, and have the 3rd most plays of 10+ yards in the NFL (122). Colin is a believer in Washington becoming a huge factor in the eventual NFC playoff picture.

7. Denver Broncos – Rookie quarterback Trevor Siemian is as remarkable a story as Dak Prescott. When comparing their numbers, it’s hard to tell the difference. Siemian is also doing it with a worse offensive line and running game to lean on. Denver is still the top defense in the NFL, ranking 1st in sacks, pass defense, and opponents yards per play, and 2nd in the league with 16 takeaways. They do have offensive limitations, but the defense will keep most games close, giving them a chance to win.

6. Oakland Raiders – Oakland’s 31st ranked overall defense is a complete mess, but Derek Carr has bailed them out of games all year. He’s Colin’s MVP so far this year. Five of Oakland’s six wins have come by 7 points or less, with Carr’s crucial throws being the difference in the final score. In last week’s overtime win at Tampa, Carr set a Raider franchise record with 513 passing yards, including the game winning touchdown pass. He doesn’t think the Raiders will contend for a title this year, but the organization is definitely on the right track, and a fun watch.

5. Kansas City Chiefs – Colin loves him some Andy Reid, and right now, he has the Chiefs playing well. Kansas City is 5-2, and riding a 3-game win streak, during which they’re holding opponents to 15 points per game. Their 15-2 record since Week 7 of last year is the best in the NFL. They’ve managed to win games despite injuries, which is a testament to superior coaching. Colin likes the dull, but effective Chiefs.

4. Atlanta Falcons – The Falcons offense is a juggernaut, and ranks 1st in the NFL in points, yards per play, yards per game, and plays of 20+ yards. Their 31st ranked scoring is a cause for concern, but if they can get a home game in the dome in the playoffs, they’ll be tough to beat. Colin like the weapons and balanced offensive attack. Matt Ryan has played at a high level.

3. Seattle Seahawks – Colin isn’t ready to sell the Seahawks, even after a loss in New Orleans. Russell Wilson is more hurt than Pete Carroll is letting on, and doesn’t have a passing touchdown in his last 3 games. But, they’re reaching a soft spot in their schedule which should allow them to gain some momentum. The Seattle defense is still elite, ranking 2nd in scoring defense and 3rd in sacks. Don’t write off the Seahawks if Wilson can get right, physically.

2. Dallas Cowboys – The Cowboys are 6-1, and Dak Prescott just beat the rival Eagles, even though he played his worst game as a pro. The Cowboys are squeezing the life out of their opponents with the best offensive line and rushing attack in the NFL. They rank 2nd in time of possession, and 4th in yards per play. The recent injuries in the secondary are cause for concern, but Colin loves Dallas.

New England Patriots – Patriots cruise into their bye week at 7-1, and head and shoulders above the rest of the NFL. Tom Brady is playing out of his skull. He has 12 touchdowns and 0 interceptions, while completing over 70% of his passes and averaging 300 yards passing per game. Colin thinks the Patriots wide receivers are underrated, and Gronk and Martellus Bennett form the most lethal tight end combination in the NFL. The Patriots are clearly the best team in the NFL through Week 8.